- When making a commitment to a puppy or dog, one should always consider worse case scenario and consider options or alternatives for the “what ifs” of life that may occur.
- Consider allergies of all family members and close friends
- Let the dog lick you, rub on your arms and legs and then touch your face and eyes. This will help determine whether you are truly allergic or if it is just the floating pet hair that causes your eye to tear
- Generally within 24 hours of being exposed to the pets dander, hair and saliva you will know whether or not you are truly allergic
- Avoid bringing the dog to your home, because if you are truly allergic you have just exposed your home to all types of allergens
- An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor or allergist should be consulted before doing any allergy testing to make sure you are not hypersensitive
- Discuss with the doctor what options are available should you or your family member have a reaction to the pet.
- Seek out friends or family that may have the same type of breed you’re interested in adopting and ask if you can spend some time “hanging out” with the dog
- Remember that babies can sometimes be highly sensitive to pet dander, hair and saliva since their own immunities and antibodies are not yet developed
